Since he was a child, Maxx Waynant dreamed of becoming a firefighter. Thanks to Hoomau Fire Academy, he followed a path that led him to fulfilling his dream. Find out what his experience was like as a cadet at the academy and how it helped him prepare for a career as a federal firefighter.
Taking a chance
Growing up in Kailua, Waynant had always looked up to firefighters. “They were the brave heroes of the community,” he says. “It was a career path I was interested in, but I wasn’t sure where to start.” When his mom saw a commercial for Hoomau Fire Academy, a nonprofit organization that provides mentorship and hands-on opportunities to Hawaii youth interested in public service, she encouraged her son to apply.
At first, Waynant was nervous since part of the application involved filming a one-minute video describing why he wanted to join the academy. However, he decided to go through with it as it was the first step in his career path. As a result, he was accepted into the academy. “I was so excited,” he said. “But again, I was nervous. I didn’t know what to expect.”
Waynant and his proud mom. Photo courtney Maxx Waynant.
Gaining practical skills
On the first day of class, the instructors, Reid Shimabukuro, a retired federal firefighter and one of the founders of Hoomau Fire Academy, and Sheldon Sunada, a retired federal fire captain who serves on the executive board, made everyone feel comfortable. But they also made it clear that they were there for a reason: to prepare them for the future. “They were strict, but it’s understandable because this is a serious matter,” Waynant says. “We were there to learn.”
During the first part of the academy, cadets earned their CPR certification and learned interview and resume skills. “This was so helpful because we’re able to take these skills and apply them to any job,” Waynant says. “I also learned how to be a better public speaker, which I didn’t expect, but it will be helpful for me for the rest of my life.”
In addition, a resume specialist showed them how to tailor their resume for a job with the fire department. “They explained how to show that we’re the right candidate for the job,” Waynant says. “And when it came to practice interviews, they advised us on how to speak and dress professionally. It was eye opening.”
Cadet Waynant is ready to go! Photo courtesy Hoomau Fire Academy.
Hands-on training
While Waynant has always tried to keep in shape through regular exercise and healthy eating, being able to practice for the agility test wearing firefighter gear and using real equipment was extremely beneficial. “Each fire department has different physical and agility tests, but for the most part, you run about a mile and a half and then go through a course where you do things like pull a hose or carry a mannequin,” he says. “Being able to practice and get comfortable with these items prepared me so much.”
The academy has a day dedicated to hands-on training where cadets use tools they would on the job, practice forcing doors open, and simulate rescuing people. “During the training, I realized it’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” Waynant says.
Practicing wearing the gear makes a difference when it comes to the agility test. Photo courtesy Hoomau Fire Academy.
Shimabukuro remembers Waynant fondly. “He has the right attitude, which is what the fire service is looking for,” he says. “From early on, we noticed something special about him. He has an amazing work ethic and was typically the first to volunteer when needed. He has a bright future.”
Living the dream
After graduating, everyone is added to an alumni group chat. “It’s a great way to keep connected,” Waynant says. “People share fire-related jobs and sometimes other jobs, too. They want us to have options. There’s no competition, just camaraderie and encouragement.”
Waynant (far right) with fellow academy graduates. Photo courtesy Hoomau Fire Academy.
After seeing that the Federal Fire Department was hiring, he applied. When he let his instructors at Hoomau Fire Academy know, they staged mock interviews and agility tests for him. “They run the academy on their own time,” Waynant says. “And they did all this extra prep for me on their own time. They really, really care. The extra prep set me apart from all the other candidates.”
It’s no surprise that Waynant got the job and is currently a federal firefighter. He still remembers his first fire. “I was stationed on Schofield Barracks. We did a lot of mutual aid, meaning we helped other departments,” he says. “We got a call for a brushfire at Barber’s Point, so we got ready, got our equipment, and headed out.” They stayed there for about 11 hours straight. “It was interesting to see all the different departments like the City and County and state crash team working as a team,” he says. “Together, we were able to put out the fire. I’ll never forget it.”
Waynant and a collague fight the flames. Photo courtesy Maxx Waynant.
Whether it’s his first fire or his latest, Waynant always feels a rush of excitement for his job. “I’m excited to wake up every morning and help people. I get to help my community,” he says. “And I’ll always be thankful to Hoomau Fire Academy for helping me fulfill my childhood dream.”
To learn more about Hoomau Fire Academy, visit their website, Facebook, or Instagram.
